A cozy make-ahead French Toast Casserole perfect for holidays, brunch, or slow mornings. Cubed bread is soaked in a cinnamon-vanilla custard and layered over a caramel-like brown sugar butter base, then baked until golden. Easy, comforting, and great for feeding a crowd.
Course
Breakfast, Brunch
Cuisine
American/Canadian
Prep Time15minutes
Cook Time45minutes
Chilling Time4hours
Total Time5hours
Servings6
Calories407kcal
Ingredients
½loaf French bread
6eggs
1 ½cupsmilk
½cupbrown sugar
½cupbutter
2teaspoonscinnamon
1tablespoonvanilla bean paste
Instructions
This is a make-ahead recipe that needs to chill overnight or for at least a few hours.
Cube the French bread into 1–2” pieces.
In a saucepan, melt the butter and brown sugar together over medium heat.
In a bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, cinnamon, and vanilla bean paste.
Grease or spray a pie dish or casserole dish. (A larger casserole dish may allow you to use closer to a full loaf of bread.)
Pour the melted butter and brown sugar mixture into the prepared dish.
Add the bread cubes on top.
Pour the egg mixture evenly over the bread. Toss gently so every piece is coated.
Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or overnight.
Bake at 350°F for 30–45 minutes, or until the bread is baked through and no longer soggy.
Recipe Notes
Cooking time varies depending on how much bread and milk you use, the type of bread, and your oven. Begin checking around the 30-minute mark. If the bottom seems soggy, you can carefully flip portions of the casserole with a spatula and continue baking for an additional 10-15 minutes.
Nutrition Facts
Make Ahead French Toast Casserole
Amount Per Serving
Calories 407Calories from Fat 198
% Daily Value*
Fat 22g34%
Saturated Fat 12g75%
Trans Fat 1g
Polyunsaturated Fat 2g
Monounsaturated Fat 6g
Cholesterol 212mg71%
Sodium 413mg18%
Potassium 223mg6%
Carbohydrates 40g13%
Fiber 1g4%
Sugar 24g27%
Protein 11g22%
Vitamin A 811IU16%
Vitamin C 0.02mg0%
Calcium 143mg14%
Iron 2mg11%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.